GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – MLF on-the-water analyst Rob Newell said it best: After a 75th-place finish at Stage Three on Lake Murray, Mercury Pro Team member Jacob Wheeler was mad at ’em. So when it was time to hit Lake Guntersville for Toro Stage Four Presented by Bass Cat, Wheeler channeled that frustration into his sixth Bass Pro Tour victory. He took the lead during the Knockout Round of Stage Four with a limit weighing 29 pounds, 9 ounces. During the Championship Round, he posted a limit of 25-6 for a total of 54-15, giving him a near 10-pound margin over second place.
The bait that he caught most of his bass on was a big secret at the start of the week. But by the end of the event, Wheeler wasn’t able to hide the soft plastic “freeloader” any longer. Listen to Wheeler break down his winning setup and explain why he loves competing on TVA lakes in the late spring.